ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor using leading-edge cooling technology

10.31.2017

The Burns Harbor 160" plate mill was selected to pilot test the new equipment and associated software in 2013. With the successful implementation of this new technology, other plate facilities will also be looking to receive the ACCtec technology.

ArcelorMittal Global Research and Development developed the system.

“ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor plate is very pleased to have been selected to install and test this state-of-the-art technology developed by our own Global R&D Group,” said John Battisti, chief operating officer, ArcelorMittal USA Plate. “What’s most exciting about the project is that it will allow us to further develop our customer base in the growing energy market here in the U.S. and Canada.”

John Battisti, chief operating officer, ArcelorMittal USA Plate, says with the installation of the ACCtec system at Burns Harbor, we will be able to expand our position in the energy market, particularly in the line pipe and offshore rig sectors. Shown are the two high cooling modules and the four soft cooling modules of the ACCtec project.

The ACCtec process involves producing mechanical properties that are achieved by means of thermomechanical control processing (TMCP), that cannot be achieved through plate rolling alone. In addition to their excellent toughness, the weldability of TMCP steels is much better than that of conventional controlled steels. Line pipe plates, offshore plates and high-strength, fine-grained structural steels are thermomechanically rolled and accelerated-cooled.

“Locally, we first became aware of the concept in 2012. R&D was looking for a plate facility that could complete the proof of technology testing for this innovative process,” noted Battisti. “Burns Harbor was selected because it already had an accelerated cooling system, but the equipment and technology was very outdated.”

Phase one of the project began in 2014, with the removal of the old accelerated cooling system. It was replaced with a single ACCtec module which includes four headers. These headers allow for achieving high cooling rates for X70/80 plate material up to 1.25 inches. The headers also ensure fast and homogeneous cooling to maintain critical flatness and allows for future direct quench capability. 

A second ACCtec module and four soft cooling modules are part of the phase two installation, which began in 2015 and was completed in April 2017. Each soft cooling module has five top and bottom headers to maintain uniform heat conduction throughout the process, while the cooling length directly influences the cooling speed.

The cooling process provides a more consistent, uniform cooling in the thickness of the product with enhanced plate flatness, even when running lighter gauge material. The added soft cooling technology will allow Burns Harbor to make plate products up to four inches thick.

Due to the increased strength level of this niche plate product, other applications for ACCtec, in addition to line pipe and offshore structures, include: shipbuilding, bridges, buildings, storage tanks and earth-moving equipment.

Other benefits of ACCtec include enhanced quality and cost savings. 

Because of the accelerated soft cooling feature, the lead-time will allow for customers to receive their steel more quickly – about two weeks sooner on specific higher strength bridge and shipbuilding specifications over 1.25” – due to less time needed for processing vs. the prior quench and tempering process route.

ArcelorMittal also has filed an international patent application to protect this innovative technology. 

“This $8.1 million ACCtec project is a positive investment for our plate business in general,” added Battisti. “Currently, we are the only domestic plate supplier to be able to offer our customers this special plate product. ACCtec highlights the technical capabilities engineered by our talented Global R&D group. Because it is our own technology, as time goes on, this will also allow us to make future enhancements and modifications to the process.

“We are extremely excited about the possibilities for this innovative technology that provides new market opportunities, which bodes well for the long-term viability of Burns Harbor plate.”

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